A drug dealer who reportedly earned £10,000 per month while simultaneously claiming universal credit benefits has been accused of stamping a mother to death in a random, vicious assault while under the influence of cannabis. The shocking details emerged during the opening of a murder trial at Leicester Crown Court this week.
Fatal Attack in Broad Daylight
Chukwuemeka Ahanonu, a 23-year-old resident of Dover Street in Leicester, stands accused of launching an unprovoked attack on 56-year-old Nila Patel on June 24 last year. The assault occurred in broad daylight in Leicester city centre, moments after Ahanonu had flipped his BMW vehicle onto its roof near the Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Prosecutor Mary Prior told jurors that Ms Patel, who stood at just 5 feet 4 inches tall, was walking home after getting off a bus when she was violently attacked by the defendant, a complete stranger to her. At the time of the assault, she had been speaking on the telephone to a close friend.
Graphic Details of the Assault
The prosecution outlined how Ahanonu pulled Ms Patel from behind before punching her in the face with such force that she fell onto the pavement. As she lay helpless on the ground, he proceeded to kick and stamp on her, including directly on her face. Despite valiant efforts by paramedics and hospital doctors to treat the severe brain and facial injuries she sustained, Ms Patel tragically succumbed to her injuries two days later.
'The brain damage that she suffered killed her two days later,' Ms Prior told the court. 'The defendant killed Nila Patel by punching her, by kicking her and by stamping on her. She did nothing to cause the attack and could not defend herself.'
Significant Drug Operation
The court heard that Ahanonu operated what the prosecution described as a 'significant' drug business, allegedly earning approximately £10,000 monthly from selling cannabis to more than 250 customers. Remarkably, he continued to claim universal credit benefits while funding his lifestyle through illegal drug sales.
According to the prosecution, Ahanonu's outgoings were 'mostly' funded by his cannabis dealing operation, which included paying for his flat, his BMW vehicle, his living expenses, and his regular cannabis consumption. The prosecutor noted that he even utilized special packaging designed to prevent cannabis from smelling so he could mail his products to customers.
Evidence Presented to Jurors
Jurors were informed that portions of the attack were captured on the body-worn camera of a security guard from Leicester Royal Infirmary who had responded to the car collision. The conclusion of the assault was reportedly filmed by a member of the public using a mobile telephone.
'There were lots of people in and about Leicester, near to the Leicester Royal Infirmary, on that afternoon and you will hear from them,' Ms Prior told the court, indicating that multiple eyewitnesses would provide testimony during the trial.
Legal Arguments and Defence Position
While Ahanonu has pleaded not guilty to murder, he has admitted guilt to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. The prosecution must prove that he intended to kill Ms Patel or cause her really serious bodily harm.
The defence is expected to argue that Ahanonu was developing schizophrenia at the time of the killing, claiming he suffered from an abnormality of mental functioning arising from a recognized medical condition. However, the prosecution emphasized that voluntary cannabis consumption leading to violent behavior does not constitute a legal defence to murder charges.
'The voluntary consumption of a substance which causes you to act in a way that you would not act when sober is not a defence to murder because an intoxicated intent is still an intent,' Ms Prior told the jury.
Family Tributes and Ongoing Proceedings
Ms Patel's children, Jaiden and Danika, paid heartfelt tribute to their mother last year, describing her as 'one of the most kind-hearted people you could ever meet.' They expressed their heartbreak while wanting the world to know their mother's true character: 'a beautiful, vibrant soul who deserved so much more. She was a devoted mother, a loyal friend, and an incredibly hard worker.'
The trial, which is expected to last approximately one month, continues at Leicester Crown Court as both prosecution and defence present their cases regarding this tragic and senseless attack that claimed the life of an innocent woman going about her daily routine.
